Chris De Burgh

Stephanie Ridings writes and stars in this unassuming little black comedy about mothers and daughters.
It sees 'little bastard' Mary, as her mother so affectionately used to call her, sitting at the kitchen table pouring herself some Dutch courage as she prepares to carry out her mother's dying wish to sing at the scattering of her ashes. The funeral was last week, she tells us: 'They were all there, Tom Jones, Chris De Burgh, Cher and Elton John, who sang Candle In The Wind the original. That was mum's idea'. She then recounts life lived in the shadow of a selfish, drunken tribute-act mother who herself lived her life in the shadow of Dusty Springfield.
It's a slight show but Ridings turns in a heartfelt performance, her script peppered with sharp Northern wit and no little amount of pathos.
Until Aug 31, Assembly @ Assembly Hall, 3.25pm. www.assemblyfestival.com